puffed rice granola in a bowl
July 19, 2026

Puffed Rice Granola

If you want to enjoy granola but are keen to keep the calories a little lower, try bulking it out with puffed brown rice. This puffed rice granola is still very filling but by replacing the majority of the oats with puffed rice you get a lighter granola that's lower in calories per serving, while still providing fibre, wholegrains and plenty of texture.
prep time5 minutes
total time25 minutes
cook time20 minutes

This homemade granola recipe is made with simple ingredients including oats, puffed rice cereal and mixed seeds making it a great nut free granola that’s easily customisable.

Unlike many shop-bought granolas, this recipe is lower in sugar and oil. Instead, it relies on a small amount of maple syrup or honey with a little olive or coconut oil.

The puffed rice creates a lighter texture than traditional granola and bulks it out so you feel like you still get a decent portion but it keeps the calories lower (which is always a win!). 

Nutrition Highlights

✅ Contains wholegrains: oats and puffed brown rice provide wholegrain carbohydrates, which help provide steady energy throughout the day.

✅ Source of healthy fats: seeds and olive oil provide unsaturated fats, which helps make this granola more filling.

✅ Provides important minerals: pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds contain minerals including magnesium, zinc and selenium, which support a wide range of functions in the body.

✅ No refined oils or processed sugars: this homemade granola uses unrefined sugars and oils to make it.

Why You’ll Love This Puffed Rice Granola

• Made with simple ingredients
• Nut free
• Much lower in sugar and calories than many shop-bought granolas
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Easy to customise 
• Delicious with yoghurt, milk or fruit
• Stores well for several weeks

What ingredients do you need for Puffed rice Granola?

  • Oats
  • Puffed brown rice
  • Mixed seeds
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Sea salt
  • Honey or maple syrup
  • Coconut oil or olive oil
  • Raisins

Nutritional benefits of the main ingredients

Oats
They are rich in soluble fibre, particularly beta-glucan, which can help keep blood sugar steady. They are also higher in protein and fibre than the puffed rice so good to have both.

Puffed Brown Rice

Puffed brown rice adds crunch and bulks out the granola so you can keep the calories a bit lower than using just oats.

Mixed Seeds

Pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds provide healthy fats, minerals and antioxidants. They’re also a great source of fibre.

Cinnamon

One of my favourite spices, it adds natural sweetness and warmth without the need for large amounts of added sugar.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store this puffed rice granola in an airtight jar or container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Allow the granola to cool completely before storing.

homemade puffed rice granola in a bowl

Recipe Tips

Don’t skip the cooling time: the granola will continue to crisp up as it cools.

Stir halfway through baking: this helps ensure it browns evenly. 

Add dried fruit after baking: this prevents raisins from becoming hard or burnt in the oven.

Customise the flavours: try ground ginger instead of cinnamon or pumpkin spice in the autumn.

Nutty option: Replace the seeds with mixed nuts if you fancy changing it up. 

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this homemade granola, why not try these other granola recipes:

Healthier Granola

Christmas Granola

Gluten-Free Granola

puffed rice granola in a bowl

Puffed Rice Granola

Helen Ridgeway Helen Ridgeway
If you want to enjoy granola but are keen to keep the calories a little lower, try bulking it out with puffed brown rice. This puffed rice granola is still very filling but by replacing the majority of the oats with puffed rice you get a lighter granola that's lower in calories per serving, while still providing fibre, wholegrains and plenty of texture.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Servings 8
Calories 208 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup rolled oats (100g)
  • 2 cups puffed brown rice (40g)
  • ½ cup mixed seeds e.g. pumpkin, sunflower and sesame (70g)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch sea salt
  • 4 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 4 tbsp olive oil or melted coconut oil
  • ¼ cup raisins (50g)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 180C (160C fan oven) or 350F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the oats, puffed brown rice and mixed seeds. Sprinkle over the cinnamon and salt.
  • Pour over the olive oil and honey. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
  • Spread the mixture evenly onto the baking tray.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Stir through the raisins.
  • Transfer to an airtight jar or container for storage.

Notes

  • This will store in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gFiber: 2g
Keyword homemade granola
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

6 Comments

  1. Claire

    I was wondering if I could swap out the raisins for sultanas, and if so, how many more calories per serving, please.

    Reply
    • Helen Ridgeway

      Hi Claire, just use the same amount of sultanas. The calories will be similar too.

      Reply
  2. Sue Timothy

    5 stars
    Wonderful. So much better than store bought which is almost impossible to to chew. Love it.

    Reply
    • Helen Ridgeway

      So pleased you liked the granola Sue – and thanks so much for taking the time to comment – much appreciated.

      Reply
  3. Amanda

    Where do you buy puffed brown rice? I can only think of Rice Crispies but they’re not brown rice

    Reply
    • Helen Ridgeway

      Are you in the UK? I get it in Sainsbury’s – it’s a Kallo one – or Rude Health also do one.

      Reply

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Nutritionist Helen Ridgeway facing camera wearing green apron and white shirt

Hi, I’m Helen,

I’m a Nutritional Therapist based in Harpenden, Hertfordshire with a passion for helping women feel their best through simple, sustainable changes. I believe good nutrition goes beyond food; it’s about supporting your energy, hormones and overall well-being in a way that fits real life.

More about Helen

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